OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Republican candidate for an open state Senate seat has withdrawn a challenge of her GOP opponent's candidacy after the opponent resigned his position at the University of Oklahoma.

Theresa Nelson withdrew her challenge Tuesday after learning that Greg Childers had resigned from OU. Childers says he resigned Friday.

Nelson had argued that Childers' candidacy violated OU policy and a federal law that prohibits government workers involved in federally financed programs from running for elected office.

Nelson and Childers both are seeking the Republican nomination to replace Republican Sen. Jim Reynolds in the district that includes Del City, Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. Reynolds is resigning to become Cleveland County treasurer.

The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Kenneth Meador of Moore.